Department of Energy and Process Engineering

Does ‘green energy’ have hidden health and environmental costs?

Production of electricity is responsible for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, and demand is poised to rise as underserved populations connect to the grid, and electronics and electric vehicles proliferate. So stopping global warming will require a transformation of electricity production. But it is important to avoid various environmental pitfalls in this transition, researchers say.

One radiator to heat a whole floor

What happens to people’s comfort level when the heating system in a super-insulated building is simplified by installing only one radiator per floor?

Trapping the sun’s energy—in a box

Planning on cooking something at your hut? Today, you still need a gas stove to do so. But soon, stoves and ovens containing rechargeable heat batteries may be readily available for any cabin or home.

Food waste recycling not always the best idea

With Norway as a case study, a first-ever effort to quantify the benefits of recycling food waste versus preventing it shows prevention is the best policy. But Norway continues to invest significant funds in biogas facilities for food waste recycling.

Fish farming gobbles up phosphorus

Fish farming is the largest source of phosphorus emissions in Norway, generating about 9,000 tonnes a year. Finding ways to reuse the waste from the fish farming industry could cut consumption of this important and increasingly scarce resource.

Can biodiesel damage your car?

The oil industry believes biodiesel is not to blame for problems that car owners are experiencing. But not everyone agrees.

Suit seams affect speed

When racers are chasing hundredths of seconds, the difference between winning and losing is tiny. The type of fabric and seam locations can determine whether a cyclist makes it onto the podium or not

Wind turbine builders put theory into practice

Engineering students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) are learning about more than just theory. A competition to build the best wind turbine also gives them the chance to put their practical skills to the test.

Secrets of a traditional Norwegian Christmas sausage

Making sausages is not just a question of good ingredients and skill. There’s a little science involved, too. Professor Trygve Magne Eikevik makes his own sausages, and is willing to share his technique and his recipes, especially for Norwegian Christmas sausage.

A new way to separate oil and gas

Carlos Alberto Dorao is trying to nail down the mechanisms that will help make processes used in the oil and gas industry more effective. His work may also contribute to making computer processors more powerful.

A new solution to an age-old equation can improve ship efficiency

It’s been this way for 127 years— the V-shaped wake pattern behind a ship moving in a straight line always has the same central angle. But a Norwegian armed with a pen and a piece of paper has discovered that in certain situations, a boat’s wake can actually be found in front of the boat.

Turning humble seaweed to biofuel

A Norwegian research group has been able to achieve bio-oil yields of 79% from a common kelp. Other researchers working with the same species have yields closer to 20%. The secret is to heat the kelp very quickly and bring it to the right temperature within seconds.

From dried cod to tissue sample preservation

Could human tissue samples be dried for storage, instead of being frozen? Researchers are looking at the salt cod industry for a potential tissue sample drying technology that could save money without sacrificing tissue quality.

Bilde av lakseskiver.

Supercool salmon stay fresh for a month

Hundreds of tonnes of food are thrown away in Norway every year. Supercooling could keep more fish out of the trash, and even extend the grilling season.

A global challenge

Three climate researchers talk about the latest report from Intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC). In English, French and Italian.

Save the planet? Stop eating meat.

Growing and producing food make agriculture and food consumption among the most important drivers of environmental pressures, including climate change and habitat loss.